Craving a blend of sweet and spicy? Say hello to this Sticky Wings Recipe! Glazed with Thai-style chili sauce and a kick of Sriracha, these air-fried wings are guaranteed to become your next favorite recipe.
With no marinating necessary, this recipe becomes an ideal option for busy evenings. Moreover, the rapid and uncomplicated air-frying technique guarantees more quality time with loved ones and fewer hours spent in the kitchen.
Perfect for both seasoned chefs and kitchen novices, this straightforward recipe empowers you to master the art of crafting restaurant-worthy wings in the comfort of your own kitchen.
This versatile Sticky Wings Recipe can double as a delightful appetizer or a satisfying main dish, perfectly accompanied by a bed of steaming rice and your preferred side dishes. Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference.
Let’s Get Cooking!
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Ingredients for Sticky Wings Recipe
- Chicken Wings: Opt for wing sections for the best results. If you have whole wings, you’ll just need to separate them into sections.
- Oil and Seasonings: For this recipe, you will need olive oil, garlic powder, seasoned salt (or a bit of table salt if you prefer), black pepper, chili powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Thai Style Sweet Chili Sauce: Head to your local grocery store and grab a bottle of this sweet and tangy sauce. It’s the secret ingredient that gives these wings their irresistible sticky glaze.
- Soy Sauce: You can use Tamari or liquid aminos as a substitute.
- Sriracha: Customize the spice level to your liking by adjusting the amount of Sriracha. No sriracha? Use your favorite hot sauce.
Tips for Perfect Sticky Wings Recipe
Preheat the Air Fryer: Ensure your air fryer is fully preheated before adding the chicken wings.
Pat Dry the Wings: Prior to seasoning, ensure the wings are thoroughly dry to guarantee optimal crispiness.
Master the Seasoning Technique: For an even distribution of flavors, toss the wings, oil, and seasonings in a large bowl.
Remember to Baste: During the cooking process, generously baste the wings with the sauce to create that irresistible glaze.
Don’t Forget to Flip: To guarantee uniform cooking, make sure to flip the wings midway through the cooking process.
Step-by-Step Directions: Air Fryer Sticky Wings Recipe
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Make sure to pat wing sections dry to achieve that extra crispiness.
Prepare the sticky sauce by mixing the Thai-style chili sauce, soy sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl, adjusting the sriracha to your preferred level of heat.
In a bowl, combine the chicken wings, olive oil, garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, chili powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Toss wings until each one is thoroughly coated with the seasoning blend.
To ensure nothing sticks, coat your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place seasoned wings in a single layer.
Set the timer for 15-20 minutes. Every few minutes, baste the wings with that sticky sauce and flip them halfway through for an even cook.
To ensure they’re perfectly done, use a meat thermometer—they’re done at 165°F.
Transfer the wings to a clean bowl then pour the remaining sticky sauce over the wings. Serve wings with a side of homemade ranch
Homemade Ranch Recipe
Ingredients:
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup sour cream
½ cup real mayonnaise
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried dill
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and whisk until the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Transfer the homemade ranch dressing to a storage container (Mason jars work great) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours for the flavors to meld.
Alternative Ways to Prepare Sticky Wings Recipe
Although the air fryer method is known for its convenience and ability to produce crispy wings with minimal oil, there are several other cooking options to consider. You can explore these alternative methods for preparing these delectable sticky wings:
Baked Wings: In the absence of an air fryer, baking serves as an excellent substitute. Start by placing the seasoned wings on a wire rack over a lined baking sheet for effortless cleanup. Slide them into a preheated 400°F oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through for even cooking. Once perfectly done, generously coat the wings in the sauce and return them under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve caramelization.
Grilled Wings: Fire up the grill to a delightful medium-high temperature and grill the beautifully seasoned wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re thoroughly cooked and irresistibly crispy. For an extra touch of flavor, baste the wings with the sticky sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling.
Deep-Fried Wings: For those willing to indulge, deep-frying is a classic approach that results in wings with an incredibly crispy exterior. Heat the oil to a sizzling 375°F in a deep fryer or a sturdy, deep-bottomed pot, and let the seasoned wings fry to a delectable golden-brown shade for 10-12 minutes. For that signature sticky glaze, toss them in the sauce immediately after frying.
Variations for Your Sticky Wings
Boneless: Choose chicken breasts or thighs and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the boneless chicken in the same seasoning blend and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Classic Buffalo: Embrace the classic buffalo flavor by tossing the cooked wings in a homemade or store-bought buffalo sauce. Adjust the heat levels by adding more or less hot sauce according to your spice tolerance.
Honey Garlic: Substitute the Thai chili sauce with a blend of honey and minced garlic. Toss the wings in this glaze before serving.
Teriyaki: Infuse an Asian twist by replacing the Thai chili sauce with a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an authentic finish.
Lemon Pepper: Switch up the flavors by seasoning the wings with a blend of lemon pepper seasoning and a hint of fresh lemon zest. Mix butter and lemon pepper seasoning over low heat until fully liquefied. Drizzle the sauce over freshly cooked wings.
BBQ: Transform the sticky sauce into a classic barbecue glaze by incorporating your favorite barbecue sauce along with a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
FAQs about Sticky Wings
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure they’re completely thawed and well-dried before adding the flavorful seasonings and starting the cooking process. This ensures that every bite is evenly cooked and bursting with flavor.
How can I make the wings less spicy? If you prefer a milder flavor profile, simply adjust the quantity of chili powder and sriracha used in the recipe. Begin with smaller amounts, gradually adding more according to your taste preferences.
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe? Absolutely! This sticky sauce works well with other meats like chicken thighs or drumsticks, providing the same irresistible flavor profile.
How do I store leftover sticky wings? If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.
How many servings should I prepare? When estimating the number of wings, you should consider preparing around ½ pound (8-10 wings) per person for a main course. Additionally, for appetizers or snacks, aim for about ⅓ pound (5-6 wings) per person.
What side dishes pair well with sticky wings? These sticky wings complement a variety of side dishes, including steamed rice, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The combination of the sticky wings with these sides creates a balanced and satisfying meal.
Thai-Chili Glazed Chicken Wings (Sticky Wings)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings sections
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Seasoned salt
- Black pepper
- Chili powder
- Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup Thai chili sauce
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Make sure to pat wing sections dry to achieve that extra crispiness. In the meantime, prepare the sticky sauce. Grab a small bowl and mix the Thai style chili sauce, soy sauce, and sriracha, adjusting the sriracha to your preferred level of heat.
In a bowl, combine the chicken wings, olive oil, garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, chili powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss those wings until each one is thoroughly coated with the seasoning blend.
To ensure nothing sticks, coat your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place seasoned wings in a single layer, making sure they have their space to crisp up without overlapping.
Set the timer for 15-20 minutes. Every few minutes, baste the wings with that sticky sauce and flip them halfway through for an even cook. To ensure they’re perfectly done, use a meat thermometer—they’re done at 165°F.
Once those wings are crispy and cooked to perfection, transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour the remaining sticky sauce over the wings.
Serve wings with a side of homemade ranch.
We hope this Air Fryer Sticky Wings Recipe fills your dining table with as much delight as it brought to our kitchen during its creation.
Have you had the chance to treat yourself and your loved ones to this sticky wing recipe?
We would to hear all about your experience and any personal touches you added to make this recipe your own masterpiece. Don’t hesitate to share your delightful cooking journey with us and spread the joy of good food and good company!
Happy cooking!